Saudi Arabia Transportation
The highly-developed transport system of Saudi Arabia was built in the 40 years after 1950. Within four decades, the country transformed its transportation which relies on gravel roads and small airports to an extraordinary one supported by expressways and airports, reaching every densely populated area across the country. Besides, sea transportation also witnessed fast development. Tourists can choose the best way to visit Saudi Arabia based on personal needs.How to get to Saudi Arabia
By plane
Saudi Arabia has 25 airports, among which 3 are international, 8 regional and 14 domestic, offering 40 international routes and 24 domestic routes.Three international airports are King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.The airport in Jeddah is the largest one in the world and serves as a main gate for pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia. It has a stunning capacity of 9 million passengers every year. Modern facilities are available to deliver best service for customers.
King Khaled International Airport is 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of Riyadh with a total area of 225 square kilometers (87 square miles). King Fahd International Airport is in the east of the kingdom with an area of 780 square kilometers (300 square miles), offering modern and advanced facilities.
Flights of Saudi Arabia are mainly offered by the Saudi Arabian Airlines which is now the second largest airline in the Arab region following Emirates Airlines. It sells flight tickets through more than a thousand of travel agencies or offices.
By bus
Saudi Arabia has a highly sophisticated highway system. Cross-border public buses travel on expressways between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Turkey.By sea
Two sea transport lines are available between Jeddah and Suez, and Jeddah and Sudan/Musawwa.Travel in Saudi Arabia
By air
Inter-city transportation mainly relies on planes. Domestic flights are under the administration of domestic airlines with high reputation and reasonable price.By road
Highways in cities are well-maintained such as those in Riyadh as the roads can resist extreme heat in summer and do not reflect strong sunlight. Roads in rural areas vary from eight-lane roads to small two-lane roads. Roads connecting coasts are not so well-maintained but are under improvement by the government.The main expressway is a multi-lane highway going across the peninsular connecting Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh and Mecca.
Major cities in Saudi Arabia do not provide public transportation. Tourists can travel by taxi in the country. Visitors can rent cars but women are prohibited from driving. Insurances are also needed when renting cars.
By sea
The Kingdom has 182 wharfs, 112 shipping companies, 11 ships and hold shares for another 48 ships.The main ports include King Abdul Aziz Seaport in Dammam, King Fahd Industrial Seaport in Jubail, King Fahd International Seaport, Jizan Seaport, Jubail Commercial Seaport.
By train
Saudi Arabia has a high reliance on road and air transportation which leads to railways being relatively less developed.The existing railway line is between Riyadh and Dammam with a total length of 590 kilometers (370 miles).